A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Edinburgh vs. San Diego for Attractions, Music, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Edinburgh or San Diego?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Edinburgh and San Diego can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a charming, character-filled, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, shopping, and museums.

San Diego

San Diego is a dynamic, energetic, and relaxed coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Edinburgh and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or San Diego?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than San Diego. While San Diego is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Edinburgh is better known for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while San Diego is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Edinburgh is well known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Also, Edinburgh is famous for The Edinburgh Castle. San Diego is well known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools.

How is Edinburgh different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Diego and Edinburgh. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Edinburgh or San Diego?

Edinburgh is renowned for its historical sights. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Edinburgh are world-renowned. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

San Diego offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

Is Edinburgh or San Diego Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is great for its theatre productions. However, San Diego is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

San Diego is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Edinburgh or San Diego? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

San Diego has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Edinburgh and San Diego.

Edinburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

San Diego is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

Is Edinburgh or San Diego Better for Music?

Edinburgh is renowned for its live music scene. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its music scene.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Edinburgh. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in San Diego. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Is Edinburgh or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, San Diego makes a nice vacation spot. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Is Edinburgh or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in San Diego. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Edinburgh or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is terrific for the beache. However, Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

San Diego is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Edinburgh or San Diego Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is renowned for its old town. However, San Diego does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Edinburgh is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

San Diego does not have a historic old town.

Is Edinburgh or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting San Diego. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or San Diego?

Edinburgh is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping areas.

Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

Many visitors go to San Diego to go shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Edinburgh or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

San Diego is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

Edinburgh is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

Is Edinburgh or San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

San Diego is a great coastal city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

Couples visit Edinburgh frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

Is Edinburgh or San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Edinburgh is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

Plenty of budget travelers visit San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Is Edinburgh or San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

San Diego is a very popular coastal city for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Many students visit Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Is Edinburgh or San Diego Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Edinburgh is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, San Diego is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Edinburgh offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Edinburgh or San Diego a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its ease of walking around.

Edinburgh is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

San Diego is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Edinburgh Worth Visiting? and Is San Diego Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or San Diego?

In either Edinburgh or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

Families should spend more time in San Diego than Edinburgh. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Diego, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in San Diego than Edinburgh. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Diego that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Edinburgh than San Diego if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Edinburgh.

One day in Edinburgh or San Diego?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the quaint city of Edinburgh. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal city of San Diego. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Edinburgh or San Diego?

You'll find live music and shopping around the gothic destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of San Diego. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or San Diego?

You'll find shopping and museums around the vibrant city of Edinburgh. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the energetic coastal city of San Diego. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

A week in Edinburgh or San Diego?

Edinburgh is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

San Diego is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Edinburgh and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Edinburgh is in Europe and San Diego is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Edinburgh Expensive? and Is San Diego Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and San Diego, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Edinburgh or San Diego?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Edinburgh or San Diego in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and San Diego. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Edinburgh is much colder than San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than San Diego. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or San Diego in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as San Diego. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Edinburgh is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Edinburgh in October average around 10°C (49°F), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or San Diego in the Winter?

Both San Diego and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Edinburgh can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Edinburgh is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 3°C (38°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than San Diego. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or San Diego in the Spring?

Both San Diego and Edinburgh during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Edinburgh is much colder than San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Edinburgh